Eklingji Temple at Udaipur in Rajasthan is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. The temple is located at Kailashpuri around 17 km from Udaipur. The sprawling area is believed to have 108 temples. Eklingji to Nathdwara is around 32 km. Certain sections of the temple complex are closed to visitors. It must be noted here that it is a personal temple of rulers of Mewar and it is even today managed by them.
Eklingji Temple Timings
Morning Temple Timings
4:30 AM to 7:00 AM
10:30 AM to 1:30 AM
Evening Temple Timings
5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Five-faced Shivling of Eklingji
The black granite Shivling worshipped in Eklingji temple is unique. It has five faces. West face is that of Brahma; North is of Vishnu; South is of Rudra and East is of Surya. The top portion is dedicated to Shiva as Sadashiva and his consort here is Amba.
One passes through different forms of Shiva before reaching the sanctum sanctorum.
Architecture of Eklingji Mandir
Eklingji Mandir is famous throughout the world for its grand and magnificent architecture. The Shikhar of the temple is 50 feet and has a circumference of 60 feet. The sanctum sanctorum has four doors in all the four directions and the doorsteps are jutted with gems. On each gate there is Nandi (bull) murti facing the Shivling in the sanctum sanctorum.
The shrine has been rebuilt many times. The first temple was built in 8th century AD.
Major renovations took place during the 14th century AD.
The temple is made out of white marble.
The western and southern doorframes are covered with silver. Ganesh is found on top of western door and Kartik is found the southern door. They hold a chowry in hands.
The temple pond is known as Indrasarovar it is connected to the east side of the sanctum sanctorum. A gomukha face is seen at the end of the water tunnel connecting Indrasarovar with the sanctum.
Image of Surya is seen on the western gate is extremely beautiful.
A Nandi made of Ashtadhatu (eight metals) is another noteworthy murti in the temple complex. The carvings on the pillars and walls are breathtaking.
History of Eklingji Temple
The Shivling worshipped in the temple was present during Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga and Dwapar Yuga. Now it is the Kali Yuga. Therefore, the history of the temple is lost in time.
In Satya Yuga, tt is believed that Indra and divine cow Nandi first worshipped the Shivling.
In Treta Yuga, Kamadhenu is believed to have taken refuge in the Shivling of Eklingji when she was chased by the army of King Vishwamitra.
In Dwapar Yuga, serpent Takshaka took refuge in Eklingji to escape from the snake sacrifice of Janamejaya, the grandson of Pandavas.
Eklingji temple was the spiritual capital of Mewar and all the rulers of the kingdom ruled on behalf of Lord Shiva.
Eklingji Temple Festivals
- Shivratri is the most important festival here.
- Monday is the most auspicious day in a week.
- Pradosh and Shiv Chaturdasi during a lunar fortnight has special significance.
- Shravan month attracts huge crowd.
- Other important festivals are observed here are the Chaitra and Ashwin Navratris.
- Special puja is also observed in Vaishakh month.
Customs and Traditions of The Temple
- The temple belongs to the Maharanas of Mewar and it is not a public temple.
- The puja of the temple is performed by the Maharana.
- Daily puja is made by a priest after making the declaration that puja is performed in the name of Maharana.
- No handbags allowed inside.
- No footwear
- No photography is allowed inside.